Poise in Blogging

       Initially, blogging seems like another "thing" to check off my ever growing To-Do List. I’m a type-A personality and it is very important to me to not only make lists, but to actually check off tasks on my list! So to add another task weighs heavily on me. Blogging seemed like I would have to spend lots of time that I may not really have just to post something, anything online in hopes that someone somewhere would actually find interest in something that I have to say. I even feel that blogging seems like another mode to bring unwanted attention inside my professional world of teaching middle school students. Over all, I have not been too excited about blogging regularly.

     Interestingly enough, this course on “Learning to Blog” has taught me more about the purpose and potential that blogging can bring to others. The technicality of actual blogging (i.e. composing a post, adding widgets, changing the layout, etc.) came very naturally; however the content of the posts seems to be my largest hurdle. If you read my initial thoughts on blogging, you should have noticed that it was mostly written in first person (I used lots of “I’s, me's, and my's”). Blogging seems to be about sharing and learning for others not just another task to check off the To-Do List. Once you have the idea/topic of your post, it’s pretty simple to just put your information out there and even ask for feedback! It’s about people helping people and who really does not need any help?!

    I plan on using my blog to highlight my classroom activities. I believe that the general public think that middle school is all about those awkward, uncomfortable years. By blogging, I can give a glimpse inside the middle school classroom to show that these students are more innovative, outgoing, and confident than what you could ever imagine.  My students take ownership of their learning and are excited for what their future holds! But posting classroom activities, I can help others grow their personal learning network (PLN) as well as grow my PLN as I follow and subscribe to fellow bloggers.

     The only limitation that I still see for myself is making time to publish posts regularly. I am beginning to see the importance of blogging and all its grandeur. All the while, I am wanting, hoping, anticipating following through with regular posts because I really do understand the impact and importance that blogging can and will have for my PLN and even my classroom. Typehe best way for my blog not to fall wayside will be to “make a date” every week in my planner to make sure that I publish something! Remember: I am type-A. Lists are wonderful, but checking of tasks on the To-Do list is even more fulfilling!